As Ghana continues to mark the month of March as Ghana Month, in commemoration of the celebrate its independence, stories of how the country's forefathers fought for it provide valuable contexts for understanding its rich history.

Ghana's independence story is often celebrated on March 6, 1957, when the country declared its freedom from British colonial rule.

However, according to Joseph Ashitey Hammond, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, Ghana's true independence came three years later, in 1960.

In an interview with GhanaWeb's Etsey Atisu, the veteran, WO I Hammond (rtd) shared a unique story of his recollection of Ghana's history.

Born in 1925, Hammond lived through the colonial era and witnessed Ghana's transition to independence.

He recalled that after March 6, 1957, Ghana was still not fully independent, as Sir Charles Arden-Clarke, the British Governor-General, remained in office.

Sir Charles Arden-Clarke served as the Governor-General of Ghana from 1957 to 1960.

"Although Ghana had declared its independence, Arden-Clarke's presence meant that the country was still subject to British oversight," he indicated.

Hammond disclosed that Sir Charles Arden-Clarke acted as an intermediary between Ghana's government and the British monarch by sending documents to the queen to sign before they were passed as laws in Ghana.

He added that it was only until July 1, 1960, that Kwame Nkrumah became Ghana's first elected president, truly making Ghana independent.

"This marked a significant turning point in Ghana's history, as Nkrumah's presidency signalled the country's true independence," he stated.

According to Hammond, with Nkrumah at the helm, Ghana was finally free from British colonial rule, and Sir Charles Arden-Clarke's role as Governor-General came to an end.

Watch the full, detailed video below:



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